Council hears proposal for new Internet service
Nelson Patton addressed the Peabody City Council Monday night about the possibility of having DTN Speednet Internet service come to Peabody. Patton said the company was interested in serving the Peabody community if there was a commitment from at least 15 consumers willing to use the service.
Patton asked the council if the company's signal tower could be placed on top of the water tower.
After discussion the council agreed to contact a company representative for further information.
The nuisance properties at 804 and 806 North Olive were discussed with owner Archie Riggs. Riggs told the council the garage at 806 Olive had been removed and nearly all the debris had been hauled off. Due to the inclement weather, the project was not complete, but he felt he could have it finished in a matter of days.
Riggs also told them he has made arrangements to have the other garage roof repaired and was granted another extension to get the work finished. The new date is Dec. 1. He also was told by council members that this extension would be the last.
A public hearing was convened for the property at 702 N. Locust and the council voted to declare it a nuisance because of problems with trash and overgrowth. Also cited was the lack of a secured entrance to the house.
City crews will clean up the property and make repairs. Individuals with an interest in the property will be billed and any unpaid balance will be added to the property tax.
The council entered an executive session for the purpose of discussing the acquisition of property. No action was taken when the council returned to open session.
Joanna Brazil presented information on directional Peabody signs for rural roads in the county. The council tentatively approved the purchase of the signs, but requested more information on the size, quantity, and placement.
In other business, the council
— approved a water well permit for Tony Gaines and Gene Schmill.
— approved a contract with A&E Laboratory for testing sewer samples in 2003 to assure compliance with state regulations.
— approved a letter of engagement from Knudsen and Monroe for the city audit for the next two years.
— appointed Mark Whitney to fill the vacancy left by Fran Arnett on the Peabody Housing Authority.
— authorized gravel for Newell Road and Peabody Street.
— decided to leave the date for Trick or Treating by Peabody youngsters alone despite the conflict with the football game at Canton-Galva.
— agreed to have the city clerk contact Dale Yeager of Rural Development to find out the status of the water project contingency fund.
— heard reports from Joanna Brazil about Leadership Marion County and the Marion County Microloan program. Brazil also received permission to block the streets Dec. 1 for the Christmas parade and to use city workers to remove the electric pole and tree stump from the corner of 2nd and Walnut streets.
